hardy boys fan fiction

EMBARKING TOWARD THE FUTURE
hardy boys nancy drew fan fiction

by
RM
THE STORY

THE CHAPTERS

INTRO

THE STORY

He was more nervous than he had ever been in his life. He knew this was a big step. While he had weighed the pros and cons of this, initially the pros had won out. But now that the time had come, he really had his doubts.  

The words, “trust me, it’ll be fine” didn’t offer any reassurance. He couldn’t believe he had actually agreed to do this.  

“Are you ready for this?” a voice asked, getting his attention.  

Twenty-three year old Frank Hardy looked at his brother, Joe, who was a year younger than him. A grin was filling Joe’s face.  

“Are you sure this is safe?” Frank asked, tugging on the protective vest he was wearing. “It doesn’t look safe.”  

“It’s fine,” Joe said. “They wouldn’t allow it if it wasn’t.”  

Frank was skeptical. He felt that only a lunatic would try this stunt. I guess I am a lunatic, he thought.  

“So, who is going first?” the ride operator asked.  

“I will,” Joe said.  

Frank watched as the operator attached the cording to the harness Joe was wearing with the safety vest. Joe moved to the center of the cage, and was now dangling in the air. The bottom was moved back so there was nothing below Joe.  

With a nod of his head, the connection between the harness and cord was released. Joe fell toward the ground, yelling in delight all the way.  

Joe was caught in the net, which was suspended four stories off the ground. The net was lowered to the inflatable cushion and he rolled off. Joe looked up and raised his arms in the air, giving him a thumbs up.  

“How did I get talked into this?” Frank grumbled to himself as the bottom of the cage was closed.  

“Are you ready?” the operator asked.  

Frank took in a breath and then let it out. He looked at the man. “Yeah. Let’s do it.”  

Frank was quickly put in the same position Joe was and for one fleeting second, he wondered if he could back out. He nodded his head and closed his eyes.  

I’m going to die, he repeated in his head as he fell to the net. When he stopped falling, it took a moment to realize the net had stopped his descent to the earth and kept him from being smashed like a bug.  

After reaching the ground and removing the safety gear, he made his way over to his brother and their girlfriends as they waited outside the safety area that was part of the carnival.  

His girlfriend of almost five years, Caren Anderson, hurried over to him and gave him a hug. “I can’t believe you did that.”  

“I only did it because of my little brother,” Frank admitted.  

“Yeah right,” Joe said. “You wanted the adrenaline rush as much as me.”  

“We don’t need an adrenaline rush,” Frank said. “We get enough of that in our lives as it is.”  

Frank was referring to their jobs as private investigators. Three months earlier when Joe had graduated from college, they had opened up the detective agency, Hardy Investigations, with their father, world-renown Fenton Hardy. With their profession, it seemed like each case had intrigue as well as an adrenaline rush to solve the mystery they had been given.  

“You know, at times I think you two work too much,” Vanessa said. “We need to play and have fun like we now are more often.”  

Joe wrapped his arm around Vanessa’s shoulder. “Babe, I would love to do that more than anything in the world. But when people need our help, we have to go.”  

“I know,” Vanessa sighed. “That’s why I love you so much.”  

“Come on,” Frank said. “Let’s check out the rest of the festivities.”  

As they headed toward the midway where the rides and games were located, Joe and Vanessa took the lead. Frank took hold of Caren’s hand and they followed behind.  

“I’m glad we got to spend this time together,” Caren said.  

“So am I,” Frank said. “Between my cases and your work, it sometimes seems like we’re never crossing paths.”  

“But we always meet up one way or another.”  

“That’s true,” Frank said.  

“Are you two going to join us or what?” Joe asked, turning around to face them. “We’re supposed to be having fun.”  

“What do you suggest?” Caren asked.  

“Let’s hit some of the rides,” Vanessa suggested before Joe could speak. “There’s the Ferris wheel and the Flying Bobs. There’s the Pirate Ship.”  

“That sounds good to us,” Frank said.  

“Let’s go,” Joe said.  

* * * * *  

A couple hours later, the four of them had hit several rides and played a variety of games. They even won some stuffed animals for Vanessa and Caren. Now they were heading toward the good vendors to get something to eat and drink.  

After purchasing their refreshments, they found a table and sat down. As they ate, they talked about all the sights they had seen, the people they had seen and what they wanted to do when they finished eating.  

As they tossed their trash into the garbage, there was a rumble of thunder in the distance. Looking up, they saw dark clouds were rolling in. A flash of lightning was seen in the darkening sky and the wind was picking up.  

“I think we should head on out,” Frank said, gazing at the sky. “I think this is going to be a bad one.”  

“You’re probably right,” Joe said. “And we don’t want to get stuck here.”  

“That’s for sure,” Vanessa agreed.  

The four of them stepped into the crowd of patrons that were heading toward their cars. They assumed the others didn’t want to get caught in the storm either. They reached Frank’s car and climbed in.  

Just as the doors were closed, they sky opened up and the rain came down in sheets.  

“That was good timing,” Caren said.  

“It definitely was,” Vanessa agreed.  

“Well, let’s head on out,” Frank said, starting the engine.  

As they headed into Bayport, a comfortable silence settled on the car. Frank glanced in the rearview mirror at Joe and Vanessa. She had her head against Joe’s shoulder and both of their eyes were closed. Joe had his arm around Vanessa and was toying with her hair.  

Frank looked at Caren and smiled at her. He reached over with his right hand and took her left hand in his. Caren looked at him and smiled in returned.  

They dropped Vanessa off first before heading to the apartment building where Caren was living. Frank pulled out an umbrella and went around to the passenger side. As Caren climbed out, Frank held the umbrella over her head so she wouldn’t get wet.  

Together, Frank and Caren made their way into the building. He made his way with Caren up to the apartment. When they reached the second floor, they moved to her apartment. Caren unlocked the door and stepped inside, placing everything she had brought home on the table by the door.  

Caren turned back to him and smiled. “You know, you didn’t have to walk me all the way up here.”  

“I know I didn’t, but I wanted to make sure you got up here safely.”  

“I always do when you escort me,” Caren said moving to Frank. “Do you want to stay for a little while?”  

“I wish I could, but with Joe waiting in the car, I should probably go.” Frank wrapped his arms around Caren and pulled her close.  

“I understand.”  

Frank kissed Caren’s forehead. “We’re still on for Sunday night?”  

“Of course,” Caren said. She leaned back and looked at him. “Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”  

Frank shook his head. “It’s supposed to be a surprise.”  

“So, what am I supposed to do about what to wear? Without knowing where we’re going, I can’t dress accordingly.”  

“Wear your best dress and you’ll be fine for whatever we do.”  

“Are you sure you can’t give me a hint, Frank?”  

“I’m sure.” Frank gave her a kiss. “I’ll talk to you later.”  

“Bye, Frank.”  

“Bye.”  

Frank released his hold on Caren and stepped back. He waited until the door was closed and locked before heading down to the car. He quickly got into the car and closed the door.  

“Is everything all right?”  

Frank glanced at Joe and then out the windshield. “Everything is fine.”  

* * * * *  

Late Sunday afternoon, Frank was standing in his room, staring at his reflection in the mirror. He smoothed out his black suit jacket, making sure there weren’t any wrinkles. He adjusted his dark blue tie, which hung over his crisp, freshly pressed white shirt. He took a breath and knew he was ready. He patted his right coat pocket making certain that the gift was still there. It was and he had to go.  

Frank made his way downstairs and stopped at the bottom step. He looked over to his mother, Laura, who was standing in the doorway to the living room.  

“You look very handsome,” Laura said.  

“Thanks, Mom,” Frank said.  

Laura stepped over to Frank and adjusted his tie. “Now, it’s perfect.”  

“Thanks,” Frank said.  

“Have a good time.”  

“We will.”  

Frank headed for the door and quickly exited the house. He knew that everything was in place for their evening. He quickly climbed into his car and headed for Caren’s apartment building.  

When he arrived, he parked by the curb and then headed up to the second floor. Reaching the door, he took a deep breath and knocked.  

“Coming,” Caren called out.  

A moment later, the door opened and Frank was pleasantly surprised. Caren was wearing a form fitting black dress that went down to her knees. The dress had thin straps over her shoulders. He smiled at her.  

“Caren, you look beautiful.”  

Caren looked down at her dress. She looked at Frank. “Are you sure I look all right for your plans?”  

“You look absolutely perfect,” Frank said. He leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek. “And that is the perfect outfit for our evening.”  

Caren smiled. “Thanks, Frank.”  

“You’re welcome,” he said. “Are you ready to go?”  

“Let me grab my sweater and purse, and I’ll be all set.”  

Frank nodded as Caren hurried back into the apartment to get the items she needed. She came back to the door. “I’m ready.”  

“Then we’re off.”  

Caren stepped into the hall and locked the door. Frank offered Caren his arm and they made their way down to his car.  

As Frank started driving, Caren asked, “So, where are we going tonight? You’ve been awfully tight-lipped about it.”  

“Well,” Frank began. “I thought we’d head into the city for dinner and then maybe catch a show.”  

“Really?” Caren asked excitedly.  

Frank glanced at her and smiled. “Really.”  

“Where are we having dinner?” Caren asked, quickly. “What show are we going to see?”  

Frank chuckled as her enthusiasm and knew the plans he had made were perfect.  

“You will have to wait and see for those answers,” Frank said.  

“Aww, Frank.”  

“You know what you’re doing. I want the locations to be a surprise.”  

“All right. I can take a hint.” Caren gave him a mischievous smile. “But just remember turnabout is fair play.”  

“I’m looking forward to what you have for me.”  

Caren grinned.  

The ride into the city was filled with companionable conversation. Caren did most of the talking, filling Frank in on some of the stories she was pursuing for the newspaper.  

When they finally entered the city, Caren looked about, trying to figure out where they were going for dinner. Frank pulled up in front of a French restaurant, La Cuisine.  

Caren looked at Frank with wide eyes. “We’re eating here?”  

Frank acted surprised. “Is that okay?”  

“Frank, this place is very upscale and from what I’ve heard, the food is to die for.”  

“Then we definitely need to try it,” Frank said.  

He climbed out of the car and let the valet get in. He moved around to the passenger side. Frank opened the door and helped Caren out. Together they made their way to the door, which was opened by one of the other members of the valet.  

Stepping inside they were greeted with dim lights and candles lit on the tables, setting off a romantic feeling in the restaurant.  

They approached the maitre d’. Frank said, “Reservation for two under Hardy.”  

“Oui, Monsieur Hardy. Right this way, sil vous plait,” the man said with a thick French accent. “Your table is ready.”  

Frank put his hand on Caren’s back and ushered her after the maitre d’. They moved over to a table that was next to the fireplace. The maitre d’ pulled out a chair for Caren and she quickly settled in her seat. Frank sat down across from her.  

They waiter placed the menus in front of them and said, “Your waiter will be with you in a moment.  

“Thank you,” Frank said and the maitre d’ walked away.  

Once they were alone, Caren said, “This is absolutely amazing, Frank.”  

“I’m glad you like it.”  

She looked at the fire. “Is that actually on?”  

“I think those are fake logs that just give off the impression what there is a fire.”  

“This is so perfect,” Caren said, focusing on Frank. She reached over and took his hand in hers, giving it a squeeze. “Thank you for bringing me here.”  

Frank smiled. “You’re welcome.”  

They opened up their menus and tried to decide what they wanted to eat. There were so many choices that it was hard to choose.  

When the waiter came, they voiced their choices. The waiter thanked them before heading into the kitchen.  

The conversation as they waited for the entrees once again dealt with their work and about some things they each were looking forward to doing in the coming weeks. When the food arrived, they complimented on how well it tasted and remarked how it was “the best food they’d ever tasted.”  

Once they finished their entrees, the waiter brought out some crème d’ Brulee. They both cherished the dessert as it slid down their throats.  

After finishing the meal, Caren went to freshen up as Frank paid the bill. When that task had been completed, he waited off to the side for Caren. He took several deep breaths to calm down as he felt the butterflies in his stomach take flight. He knew the time was getting closer.  

“I’m ready,” Caren said, getting his attention.  

“Then let’s go. We have a show to see.”  

* * * * *  

Hours later, Frank and Caren exited the theater. They had gone to see “The Lion King” theater production. Caren had said for some time that she wanted to see that show and Frank had fulfilled that dream.  

As they walked down the street, Caren talked about all they had seen: the sets, the actors, the props, the music, and the costumes. All of it.  

Frank knew he had made the right decision.  

They stopped at the curb and Frank was about to make a suggestion, but Caren beat him to it. Caren asked, “How about we take a walk through the park?”  

Frank smiled as he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “That sounds like a plan.”  

They crossed the street and made their way along the path. They walked in silence enjoying the quiet night. They finally came upon a fountain and stopped beside it.  

Caren moved close to Frank as he wrapped his arms around her. He closed his eyes and held her tight, grateful she was a part of his life.  

Felling a kiss on his lips, Frank opened his eyes and looked at Caren. She said, “Thank you for such a beautiful and romantic evening. I never expected anything like this.”  

“I’m glad you enjoyed it,” Frank said. He took a breath and knew the moment had come.  

“Frank?”  

“Yeah, Caren?”  

“Do you know what today is?”  

Frank smiled. “I do know what today is.” He reached up and brushed her hair back from her face. “Today is the date that you and I first met five years ago.”  

Caren’s smile got bigger. “You did remember.”  

“Of course. What, did you think I’d forget a day so special? That I’d forget the day you came into my life?”  

“It’s not that,” Caren said. “It’s just that there are some people out there who do forget those special occasions.”  

Frank kissed her forehead. “I’m not one of them.”  

“I can see that,” Caren said. She looked at the ground and then back to his face. “Frank, because this date is very special for me, I got something for you.”  

Caren reached into her purse and pulled out a small, square, velvet box. She looked up at Frank as she handed him the gift. “I hope you like it.”  

“I know I will,” Frank said.  

Frank held the box in his left hand and opened it with his right. He was shocked at what he saw. It was a gold tie clasp with a magnifying glass. He looked at Caren.  

“This is perfect.” He gave her a kiss. “Thank you.”  

“You’re welcome.”  

Frank slid the box into his left pocket, not wanting to mistake it with the gift he had for Caren. Taking a breath, he decided to go forward with what he had planned.  

Taking both of Caren’s hands in his, he began. “Caren, surprisingly enough, I do have a gift for you as well. And there is a lot of special meaning that goes with it.”  

“What is it?” Caren asked excitedly.  

Frank smiled and felt assured that she didn’t have any idea what was to come. He caressed the top of he hands with his thumbs.  

“When we met five years ago, I was going through a period when I wasn’t sure I was going to date in college. True, I had an amicable split with Callie, but there had been a part of me that was wanting to get back with her.” He took a breath. “Then there was the day when this beautiful woman helped me to pick up my backpack and at that moment, I knew she was someone truly special.”  

“Frank,” Caren said, trying to interrupt him.  

Frank squeezed her hand and she became quiet so he could continue. “From that day on, we spent a lot of time together, getting to know each other better. It was as if I had found my soul mate.” Frank saw Caren’s eyes go wide and he had a feeling she was putting things together.  

“While we have had our ups and downs, misunderstandings and even an occasional argument, it hasn’t changed how I’ve felt about you.” He reached up and cupped Caren’s face in his left hand, caressing her check with his thumb. “I have fallen more in love with you than I ever thought.”  

“I love you too, Frank,” Caren said, tears filling her eyes, her voice full of emotion.  

Frank got down onto one knee and pulled the box out of his pocket. He opened the box with his left hand and looked into Caren’s shocked face. She had her hands over her mouth.  

“Caren, you stole my heart the first time we met and I would love for you to keep my heart for all eternity.” He took a breath. “Caren Anderson, will you marry me?”  

Caren stared at him, standing perfectly still. Frank began to wonder if it had been the wrong time. He waited for a minute, but there was no response. He had really shocked her.  

As he was about to say her name, Caren appeared to come out of shock and threw her arms around his neck, hugging him tight. “Oh yes, Frank. Yes. I will marry you.”  

Frank hugged her in return. He was so thrilled that she agreed. He leaned back from her so he could see her face. Happy tears coursed down her cheeks. He leaned forward and gave her a kiss.  

“I love you, Caren Anderson.”  

“I love you, Frank Hardy.” They kissed again.  

When they broke apart, Frank took the diamond engagement ring out of the box. As he slid it over Caren’s ring finger, he knew he really did love her.  

Caren looked at the ring for a moment, staring at its beauty. She looked at Frank and gave him another kiss. “Thank you. It’s beautiful.”  

“You’re welcome.”  

Caren looked at him. “So, you had this night entirely planned out, including the proposal?”  

“I did,” Frank admitted, standing up and helping Caren to her feet. “And I figured it would be right to propose in the day we met.”  

“It was perfect. And I can’t believe we’re engaged.”  

“I guess that means you’ll start planning the wedding.”  

“Oh my,” Caren said. “We have to go. I need to call my mother. I have to let her know.”  

Frank pulled out his phone and handed it to her. Frank knew that reminding Caren that is was after midnight wouldn’t stop her from calling her parents.  

“And after you tell your parents, we’ll go tell mine.”  

“Okay,” Caren said as she dialed the number. As she put the phone to her ear, Caren stepped to Frank and he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. “Hello? Hi, Mom. It’s me.” She paused. “I’m fine, Mom. I’m sorry for calling so late, but something’s happened that I thought you and Dad should know about. Is he there?” Caren paused again. She leaned back from Frank and rolled her eyes. “Mom, I’m telling you the truth. I’m fine.” She paused again. “Hi, Dad. Okay, now that you’re both listening, I have some wonderful news.”  

Frank could hear her parents asking what it was. Caren looked up at him. “Frank just asked me to marry him and I said yes.”  

Frank could hear squeals of joy coming from the other end of the phone. He could see the happiness on Caren’s face as the tears resumed.  

“Mom, it was the perfect proposal. We went to dinner and then a show. We went for a walk in the park. I gave him a gift since it was the anniversary of the day we met and he proposed. It was absolutely perfect, Mom.” Caren smiled. “Yes, Mom. I’ll call you tomorrow and give you all the details. I love you, Mom. I love you, Dad. Bye.”  

Caren closed the phone and looked at Frank. He asked, “They were a little excited?”  

Caren laughed. “Just a little. I can’t wait to see how your parents react.”  

“I can’t fathom their response,” Frank said.  

“Well, let’s go,” Caren said, pulling on his hand. “We have good news to share.”  

Frank chuckled. “All right. Let’s go.”  

* * * * *  

The entire ride to the Hardy home, Frank watched Caren look at her engagement ring and then look at him. She looked truly happy and he felt the same way. He had a feeling their future was going to be full of happiness.  

When they finally arrived at the Hardy home, they saw a single light was on in the living room besides the front porch light.  

As Frank stopped the car, he looked at Caren. “You know, we could wait until a more reasonable hour to share our news.”  

“Frank Hardy,” Caren said, “your mother would be devastated if we waited to tell her the news. We have to share it now.”  

Frank knew Caren was right. He had a feeling his parents knew what he had been planning but had not said a word. He also knew that his parents would like the news as soon as possible.  

“All right. Let’s go.”  

Frank and Caren climbed out of the car and made their way inside. Frank was not surprised to see the living room empty. He looked at Caren. “I’ll go get them.”  

“And we’ll tell them together,” Caren finished.  

“Right.” Frank gave her a kiss and then made his way upstairs.  

Reaching the second floor, Frank made his way to his parent’s bedroom. He knocked on the door.  

“Come in, son,” his father’s deep baritone voice said.  

Frank smiled as he opened the door. He saw both his parents were awake, sitting in bed reading.  

“How was your evening?” Laura asked, closing the book she had been reading.  

“If was fine,” Frank said, trying to keep the grin off his face. “I was wondering if you could come down to the living room.”  

“It sounds important,” Fenton said, sitting up from his reclined position.  

“It is,” Frank admitted. “I’ll meet you down there.”  

Frank left his parent’s room and moved to his brother’s room. He knew Joe wouldn’t want to miss it either. He knocked on the door, but didn’t get a response. Figuring his brother was asleep, Frank opened the door and stepped into the room.  

Using the lift from the hall, Frank carefully made his way through the mess in the room toward the bed. He reached the bed and shook Joe’s shoulder.  

“What is it?” Joe mumbled.  

“Get up and put some clothes on before coming downstairs. I’ve got some news.”  

“Tell me now,” Joe said as he rolled onto his side.  

“No. Downstairs. Now.”  

Frank left the room as Joe grumbled. He knew his brother would be down in a few minutes.  

Returning to the living room, Frank moved over to Caren. He said, “They all should be down in a few minutes.”  

“Did you wake them?” Caren asked.  

“Only Joe. But he can live without a few minutes of sleep.”  

Caren smiled as they heard footsteps coming down the stairs. Frank turned and saw his parents. They both had pulled on robes.  

“Caren, good evening,” Fenton said.  

“Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Hardy,” Caren said. “I hope we didn’t disturb you.”  

“You didn’t,” Laura assured her.  

At that moment, Joe came down the stairs in a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt. He moved into the living room and collapsed into the recliner. He asked, “What’s the news?”  

Frank looked at Caren and took her right hand in his. She smiled, encouraging him to share the news. Glancing back at his parents, he had a feeling they knew what was coming.  

“Well, tonight Caren and I had a great time out and have decided on something.”  

“What’s that?” Joe asked.  

Frank felt Caren squeeze his hand and knew he just needed to go forward. “Tonight, I asked Caren to marry me.”  

There was silence and Laura asked, “Well?”  

“And I said yes,” Caren said smiling, holding out her left hand to show off the ring.  

“That’s wonderful,” Laura said, moving over to Caren and giving her a hug. “You will make a wonderful addition to our family.”  

Frank looked at his father who gave him a hug. “Congratulations, son.”  

“Thanks, Dad.”  

Fenton leaned back and then switched places with Laura, who hugged him tightly. Laura said, “I’m so happy for you.”  

“Thanks, Mom.”  

As Frank leaned back from his mother, he looked at his brother. Joe had a big grin on his face. Joe got to his feet and moved over to Frank. Joe gave Frank a hug and stepped back. The smile never leaving his face.  

“I’m very happy for you,” Joe said. “Caren is the perfect person to be your wife.”  

Frank smiled. “Thanks, Joe.”  

Joe looked at Caren. “I couldn’t think of a better person for Frank.”  

Caren smiled at Joe. “Thanks, Joe.”  

“I think we need to celebrate,” Fenton said. “This is wonderful news.”  

“I agree,” Laura said and headed into the kitchen to get some drinks.  

As Fenton and Joe followed her, Frank turned to Caren and pulled her into his arms, giving her a kiss. He whispered in her ear,  “I’m so glad you said yes.”  

“I’m glad you asked.” She leaned back and looked into his eyes. “I love you, Frank Hardy.”

“I love you, Caren Anderson.” He kissed her again. “And I will love you forever.”  

“I can’t wait.”  

Frank held her close and was looking forward to what the future held in store for them.

-The End-

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